Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Residents could start to see cannabis cafes in the Commonwealth as early as next year.
With new regulations just approved by the Cannabis Control Commission, a pot cafe could be showing up in a city or town near you in the coming months.
The new regulations open the door for dispensaries, theaters, and even yoga studios to offer pot products and it could possibly boost tourism for the state.
"I don't know if it would be a tourist boost, I guess it could be. But I don't think that'd be like the main reason people come. I don't know," said Erin, a Boston resident.
Read More: Cannabis Control Commission Approves Pot Cafes in Massachusetts
Some visitors seemed happy about the idea of being able to consume cannabis without the stigma attached to consuming in public.
"I don't have to hide anything. I'm in another place where I can just enjoy myself, do the things that I like to do and we just have to be one of them," another local said. Jocelyn, a D.C. resident, visiting Boston.
According to the commission, Massachusetts generated more than $1.64 billion in gross sales in 2024. But even with the potential incoming revenue, some people think that the availablity of cannabis across the country might prevent the boost.
"I don't think it would help tourism because it's kind of readily available everywhere here anyway," said Angie, visiting from Ireland.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.